I am not a big beer drinker but my husband got "addicted" by Gambrinus while he was in CR. I agree with him, this is a very good beer, but I cannot compare much.
But from what I know my father loved Gambrinus too and the majority of guys around me (still in CR).

It is a pity that we cannot get this brand in the US; Saab-Miller, the owner, does not want this brand to be imported. Few years ago it was possible to get Gambrinus here, not anymore.

The only way how to get Gambrinus is to order it online but this is quite expensive.

Ir wrote:Personally I prefer Gambrinus at 10 degrees - Plzensky Prazdroj is too watery or something (but fine at 12 degrees). I find it strange that Gambrinus is so widespread in CR, but impossible to find in Ireland

I dont know in the shops, but u can drink gambrinus (even in a bottle 500ml, which I prefer) at the czech inn, in temple bar, for 4Euro.

Ir wrote:Personally I prefer Gambrinus at 10 degrees - Plzensky Prazdroj is too watery or something (but fine at 12 degrees). I find it strange that Gambrinus is so widespread in CR, but impossible to find in Ireland

I dont know in the shops, but u can drink gambrinus (even in a bottle 500ml, which I prefer) at the czech inn, in temple bar, for 4Euro.

I wonder how many of these I could track down in the States. There is no question yours is one of the truly, truly great beer countries in the world. The original is still the best, I say. Urquell is a rare mass-market product that actually is exceptionally good. I love that beer, always will I suppose.

My first night out with Czech people I was given two glasses and not told what was in each and asked to choose, so that everyone would know what type of a person I was.. It turns out the drinks were Budwar and Plzen and I choose Plzen!

I really would need to spend a night with Budwar before I felt truly comfortable with the decision though

There is no question to me of the two- Pilsner Urquell is one of the very best of any style anywhere in the world. It is the definitive Czech beer, to me. Soooo tasty, and you can kick back and just enjoy them, one after the other.

We just got a keg of a beer called "Samson" at my favorite bar here in Seattle. Very full-bodied and tasty beer- excellent color, too. There are many that are very good, but I think this one would be number two for me. It is a feast of riches and hops with the CZ beer though- you really can't go wrong.

Samson is the most authentic of Budweisers. Its brewed in the most oldest working brewery in České Budějovice (aka Budweis). It’s less known than the city concurrent of Budvar, but the experts (i.e. Czechs ) are perfectly aware of its existence.

Samson is the guy on the fontain on the main square in České Budějovice: